Yankee Hill in Milwaukee in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Prospect Avenue “Spite” House

Circa 1880

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, April 19, 2012

1. The Prospect Avenue “Spite” House Marker

Inscription. Built by Jason Downer, it is one of the finest Queen Anne style residences in the city.

The first notable tenant was Horace Ruble, Minister to Switzerland, head of the Republican Party of Wisconsin for many years and former editor of the Milwaukee Sentinel. He is also known for bringing noted actress Sarah Bernhardt to the United States.

Designated March 15, 1987
National Register of Historic Places

Erected 1987.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is March 15, 1888.

Location. 43° 2.775′ N, 87° 53.836′ W. Marker is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County. It is in Yankee Hill. Marker is on North Prospect Avenue (State Highway 32) north of East Juneau Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1223 N Prospect Ave, Milwaukee WI 53202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Edward Diederichs House (within shouting distance of this marker); Immanuel Presbyterian Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First Unitarian Church of Milwaukee (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); All Saints Episcopal Cathedral Complex

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); College Women's Club (approx. 0.2 miles away); George Washington (approx. ¼ mile away); Solomon Juneau (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milwaukee.

The Prospect Avenue “Spite” House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, June 27, 2011

2. The Prospect Avenue “Spite” House

Marker is located to the right at the top of the stair.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2012, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 995 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2012, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.